Chapter 177
Chapter 177
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 177
Chapter Title: Cult Temple Guardians
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‘Could it be a Galleron?’
Faint psionic power emanated from the intruder.
But if it were a Galleron, it wouldn’t move this quietly. To get a closer look, I sprawled out atop the nest once more.
Confirming that the auxiliary organs under my jaw had linked with the nest, I focused my senses on a specific point. I poured every bodily sense into the source of the vibrations.
Sound, scent, the flow of special energies. My auxiliary organs—super-enhanced thanks to the nest and various traits—absorbed all three elements. The refined data they sent was swiftly analyzed by my Aimorph brain.
‘Small but refined footprints. Military. Metal scent. Slightly off. Tools made from special alloys blending certain metals. And well-concealed psionic power.’
Putting it all together, only one answer fit.
‘Cult regular army. A warrior unit.’
The distance made it hard to be certain, but they seemed highly skilled. Just judging by their gear and movements, they outclassed the warrior unit from the Cult holy site I’d encountered before—the Ambush Squadron.
‘Temple Guardians, or maybe the Priests of the Eye of Revelation. And the one leading them...’
The figure unleashing psionic power to smash obstacles blocking the passage. No ordinary foe.
I’d first thought he was using a psionic tool to clear the blocked path, but no. He kept his psionic power hidden normally, unleashing short bursts only when needed.
‘The most adept with psionic power of anyone I’ve seen.’
Of all the beings I’d encountered so far, only two handled psionic power with true mastery. One was #26, the other Yujin’s shadow from the T&C special trade hub—Code Black.
Yet this one surpassed them both single-handedly.
‘That level is almost Black Galleron tier.’
A Cult elite force including a powerhouse that put me on high alert. As they moved in a group, they split into three units at a fork.
I couldn’t relax just because they’d divided. All three were heading toward our nest.
‘They’re searching for us.’
No other reason to bother punching through blocked ice passages.
“What’s wrong?”
Sensing my shift in mood, PS-111 questioned me.
“Cult intruders. Judging by their direction, they’re coming this way.”
“I’m not detecting them, but if true, it’s likely the Cult group that’s set up in the Black Galleron’s territory.”
“What?”
“That Cult group arrived on this planet 29 days ago. Their camp is currently within the Galleron’s territory.”
Hearing that, my heart sank.
To a Galleron, territory was a prime hunting ground. Not just for prey, but vital for adults training hatchlings. Allowing Cults inside meant the Gallerons and that group were in cahoots.
Mysterious Cult powerhouse plus a mid-to-upper apex predator like the Black Galleron. Fighting both at once? In my current state, certain defeat.
“Did the Black Galleron send them here?”
“Possible, or not.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
At my puzzled retort, it began explaining in detail.
“Reports from other intermediate terminals indicate the Galleron pack is in a fractured state.”
“Fractured? Wait—succession battle for leadership?”
“Correct. The rank-two White Galleron has challenged the Black Galleron.”
“White Galleron challenging? That’s odd. Unless it evolves into Black, it’s got no chance.”
The gap between White and Black Galleron was like heaven and earth. A Black could slaughter five Whites at once. The others knew the disparity, so no White ever followed until evolution.
“Normally yes, but the White is leading multiple Galleron packs in the challenge.”
“Not important right now—skip it. What’s the succession got to do with the Cult group?”
“The rank-two faction treats the Cult group as enemies. Gallerons supporting the challenger have been observed attacking Cults.”
“Hm.”
From its words, the picture emerged. Bizarre situation, but the intruders and Black Galleron were on shaky terms.
“Black Galleron isn’t backing the Cults. They’re together for some reason, but not tightly bound.”
“Correct. The Cults haven’t aided the Black Galleron either.”
Still, no room for certainty. Our position exposed—we were in danger regardless.
Disconnecting from the nest, I woke the sleeping young ones. I explained the situation to the weary bunch.
｢Cult warrior unit? Why here?｣
[Zzt zzt zzzt (Don’t know why)]
｢...A Black Galleron-tier powerhouse makes it tough. We should leave.｣
Hearing the details, Mother of the Sky suggested evacuating the nest.
The Cult giving me chills was priest-class or higher, trailed by dozens of elite warriors. Retreat, assess, then fight—made sense.
｢Kin｣ ｢Scent｣ ｢Similar｣ ｢Danger｣ ｢Very｣ ｢Danger｣
Adhai, sensing the approaching psionic power, agreed with Mother of the Sky. Its four-horned head bobbed anxiously.
｢PS-111. Any intel on the Cult group’s strength?｣
“Handled by another intermediate terminal—my data’s limited. Based on what I have, estimated psionic user surpassing an Imperial High Priest. Recommend evasion.”
Even the floating head PS-111 opted for flight.
｢Bad ones bullying family all need a spanking!｣
Only #26 pushed to fight, not flee.
Intense protector of family. It’d sacrifice itself to defend us.
Having voiced opinions, they all looked to me. They’d follow my decision.
‘What’s best?’
Flight had majority support, but rash choice risky.
They’d pinpointed and tracked us underground from afar. They had some tracking method.
‘Fleeing elsewhere won’t help.’
Without neutralizing tracking or stalling them, no safety. If herding us into a trap? Walking right in.
‘Other issues too.’
Adhai and Mother of the Sky weak to cold. Surface blizzard? Their combat power plummets.
‘Fight here instead?’
Underground battle had pros and cons.
Pros: Nest stripped, full use of nest traits. Fight with nest support, like vs. Muriel.
Others familiar with terrain, no hindrance. Pitch darkness a bonus.
‘Cons too.’
Underground limits ‘Bone Beast’ and ‘Monster King’ transformations. Not vast cavern like vs. Ice Horror—movement restricted.
‘Ice ceiling unstable from prior clash.’
More shocks? Frozen plain above collapses. Transformed me could endure hundreds of meters thick, but others couldn’t.
‘Wait.’
A solid idea sparked.
Brainstorming furiously, I finalized a plan and decided.
[Zzzt zzzt zzzt (Catch them here)]
｢You sure?｣
Mother of the Sky’s thought wave dripped worry. She knew we had no backup either.
I met everyone’s eyes, then swiftly outlined the plan.
｢Woo! Big baby and prey hunt after so long! Sounds fun!｣
｢Approve｣ ｢Exciting｣
｢...That devilish personality hasn’t changed.｣
“Intriguing plan, but high risk. Need ways to boost success rate.”
[Zzt zzzt zzt zzzt zzt (Got something for that. Follow)]
I scooped up PS-111 with a finger. Grabbed the weapon backpack, exited the nest.
“You wanted Blood Rivers earlier, right?”
“Yes. Three would restore and enhance combat functions.”
I pulled one deactivated Blood River from the pack.
“Hard to fully trust you. And I need these too.”
“One isn’t enough. Building a body reflecting Blood River traits requires massive organic resources.”
“Can’t those come from organisms?”
“Unclear what you mean.”
Instead of answering, I activated Tooth Fairy Nest. Tiny carnivorous fleas wriggled from holes between my waist and carapace.
“I’ll supply the resources for your transformation.”
“Highly efficient energy source. Approved.”
Impressed PS-111.
I handed it the Blood River.
It gaped like a slack-jawed man. Thin tubes shot from its mouth, wrapped the Blood River, pulled it in.
“Kyrk, Blood River absorbed, kyrk, organic material intake for body restructure, kyrk, commencing, kyrk.”
Devouring the Blood River and Tooth Fairies, PS-111’s body twisted grotesquely.
Far more horrific than before. I smiled watching the change.
-
A group advanced through ice structures thick with chill.
Despite extreme cold, they wore only scale-covered bodysuits. Minimal armor in harsh environs—because they were elite psionic users.
Psionic-sensitive folk would note the faint purple aura cloaking them.
Ivory bodysuits, horns sprouting from temples.
These traversers of frozen underground passages: Cult Empire’s Temple Guardians.
Only proven elite warriors entered Temple Guardians. They escorted VIPs or exterminated threats to the Empire. Above them? Only the ‘Eye of Revelation’ priests under the Prophets’ Council.
Such experts pressed on, faces stern.
“Lady Elia, does Jason distrust us?”
“No chatter on mission.”
Leader Elia—with yak-like horns—chided coldly. Member shut up. Not ideal mid-mission, but she let it slide.
She shared the discontent.
‘I get the three-headed demon’s danger, but...’
Guided underground by Galleron, Jason had been tenser than she’d ever seen. His dedicated bodyguard and lover—she’d never witnessed it.
Bad for Guardian morale. Felt like he doubted their skill.
Temple Guardians hunted Empire-threatening monsters. Hundreds, thousands slain—experts.
Sure, foe crushed Imperial Ambush and Ambush Squadron. Top-tier threat, fingers-on-one-hand dangerous.
But these Cults were ready to stake lives.
‘Jason knows that.’
More: Her lover made baffling demand.
‘Suicide if losing?’
He acted like they couldn’t win.
Worse, specified method: If dying to it, never leave head intact.
Concentrate psionics in brain, detonate if death neared.
‘Why?’
Suicide taboo in Cult society unless sacrificial for greater purpose. Personal reasons defied the great ‘Providence.’
Telepathic query? No explanation. Just ‘you wouldn’t get it, so suicide.’
High Priest—Empire’s pinnacle honor—acting thus crushed Guardian morale.
Split into three 12-man groups at fork, resentment lingered. Elia’s warning curt, but eyes held hostility toward Jason’s rudeness.
“Lady Elia! Movement ahead!”
Scout shouted. Elia and 11 Guardians drew weapons.
“......”
Silent swift steps, but telepathic link buzzed with chatter.
‘Jaxstal, Nesian—ceiling. Might drop from above.’
‘Starbran, Billone—front. Me and Brentz rear.’
‘Tern, telepathy jammed somehow. Check.’
‘Got it.’
Warriors used telepathy links, amplified by helmets. Guardians trained sans tools—for combat security.
Perfect sync, they entered vast cavern. Four paths, otherwise unremarkable.
‘Which way?’
‘Signal interference—cavern layout unclear.’
‘Enemy near. Stay alert.’
Weapons ready, they scanned slowly. Nearing the four paths, Elia sensed wrongness.
‘Huh?’
Qualitatively different. Scanned—dark ice and rock only.
Veteran warrior, she pondered why.
Soon, answer.
‘Scent!’
Different from prior passages. Unknown airborne compounds.
Realizing, Elia fired urgent telepathy.
‘All, activate Dragonscale Suits...!’
As command formed, dozens of movements below feet. Fist-sized aberrant lifeforms burst from ground.
“Ambush!”
“Engage!”
Spears and longswords sliced air and beasts. Arrows and bullets pierced heads. Lightning-swift response cleared dozens instantly.
‘What are these?’
‘Jason said spawn of three-headed demon.’
One Guardian grabbed a corpse. Beetle-like black carapace, human-teeth packed around face.
Gruesome—tongue clicked.
“Fucking hideous...”
Curse cut short. Soul link shared vision: something behind.
Shoulder beside.
“Kygeek.”
Pitch dark should hold nothing—but snow-white human woman’s face.
‘Watch out!’
“Huh?”
Human woman-faced ‘it’ gaped snake-wide. Crimson maw crammed with hundreds, thousands of teeth.
Bone-crunch in ear. His last memory.
“Brentz down!”
“Counterattack!”
Human head on massive bug body fled, biting Brentz’s head. Legs skittering grotesquely up wall, into one passage.
“Kygeek, kygeek, kygeek, kygeek, kygeek, kygeek, kygeek.”
Dark passage echoed mocking cries eerily.
“Damn! Pursue! Reform ranks!”
“L-Lady Elia? Billone’s missing.”
“What?”
Elia checked soul links frantically.
True.
One of 11 moved abnormally fast.
During Brentz attack, front-guard Billone snatched.
‘No way?’
Three-headed demon’s goal: them.
Demon had allies.
This frozen maze held more than them.